Kamal Haasan’s meeting with Karnataka CM sets tongues wagging in TN

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan and Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy met in Bengaluru on Monday and discussed the issue of Cauvery water-sharing, while maintaining that farmers from both states were equally important.

Kamal stated that he was the disciple of Mahatma Gandhi who taught the world how to protest and people of Tamil Nadu will and should never stop protesting.

However, his views on how the dispute between the two States has to be resolved was disputed by a delegation of farmers who paid a courtesy visit to the new CM.K Challamutthu, one of the seven farmers leaders who met HDK under the aegis of Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association Joint Action Committee criticised Haasan's remarks. "That is related to the Film Chamber", Kumaraswamy said. "I am happy there is the chief minister who is looking at it in the same manner", he said.

Reportedly, Rajinikanth had asked the new government in Karnataka to release to Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery river water as mandated by the Supreme Court verdict.

Last week, the Centre formed the Cauvery Water Management Authority after much delay. "Kumaraswamy has responded positively", he added. "I assure you I will do my best in being a trustworthy bridge between Karnataka & Tamil Nadu", Kamal tweeted back, while thanking the chief minister for a "heartwarming meeting". I am willing to have no luggage, I have no egos. "I invite Rajinikanth to come here and look at the situation. So, you can afford to be kind", Kamal Haasan added.

Karnataka had, early last month, said it was not in a position to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Fans of Rajinikanth are disappointed with Kamal Haasan for not talking in favor of Superstar in Kaala issue and they are criticizing the Makkal Needhi Maiam President for being selfish.

However, replying to a question, Kamal Haasan said the issue was not discussed in his meeting with the chief minister. Not a word was spoken about it. The Tamil Nadu politician discussed the contentious Cauvery water sharing issue and several other matters with the newly-installed Karnataka CM.